L Visa FAQ - Intra-Company Transferee Visas
We assist multinational companies and executives with every stage of the L-1 visa process — from qualifying relationship analysis and petition strategy to compliance, extensions, and transitioning to permanent residency.
What is an L visa?
The L visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows multinational companies to transfer employees from their foreign offices to related offices in the United States. There are two primary types:
- L-1A – For executives and managers
- L-1B – For employees with specialized knowledge
Who is eligible for an L visa?
To qualify:
- The employee must have worked for the foreign company for at least one continuous year within the past three years.
- The employee must be coming to the U.S. to work for a parent, branch, affiliate, or subsidiary of the same employer.
- The U.S. and foreign entities must have a qualifying corporate relationship.
What is the difference between L-1A and L-1B?
- L-1A is for individuals in managerial or executive roles.
- L-1B is for individuals with specialized knowledge about the company’s products, services, systems, or procedures.
How long can someone stay on an L visa?
- L-1A: Initial stay up to 1 year (new office) or 3 years (existing office), with extensions up to a maximum of 7 years.
- L-1B: Initial stay up to 1 year (new office) or 3 years (existing office), with extensions up to a maximum of 5 years.
Can an L visa holder bring family members?
Yes. L visa holders can bring:
- Spouse and unmarried children under 21 on L-2 visas.
- L-2 spouses may work in the U.S. without needing separate work authorization.
- L-2 children may study but cannot work.
Can an L visa holder apply for a green card?
Yes. The L-1A visa is a common pathway to a green card under the EB-1C immigrant category (Multinational Manager/Executive), which does not require labor certification and often has faster processing.
L-1B holders may apply for a green card, usually under EB-2 or EB-3 categories, which generally require PERM labor certification.
What is a Blanket L petition?
A Blanket L petition allows large multinational companies to pre-qualify for L visas, streamlining the application process for eligible employees. Employees apply directly at the consulate using the blanket approval notice instead of a separate USCIS petition.
What are the benefits of the L visa over other work visas like H-1B?
- No annual cap or lottery
- Spouse can work (L-2)
- Not limited to occupations requiring a degree (unlike H-1B)
Can an L visa holder change employers?
No. L visa holders can only work for the petitioning employer. A change in employer would require a new visa petition with a qualifying corporate relationship.
What is considered "specialized knowledge" for L-1B?
According to USCIS, “specialized knowledge” refers to:
- Special knowledge of the petitioning organization’s products, services, research, equipment, techniques, management, or other interests and their application in international markets.
- Advanced knowledge of the organization’s processes and procedures.
In both cases, this knowledge must be distinct or uncommon compared to what is generally found in the industry — though it does not need to be proprietary or unique to the company.
What is a “new office” L petition?
A new office petition is used when the U.S. branch is newly established (less than one year old). USCIS requires:
- Evidence of office space,
- A business plan, and
- Proof that the new office will support an executive/manager within 1 year.
How long does it take to get an L visa?
- Standard processing: 2–6 months depending on service center.
- Premium processing: 15 calendar days for an additional fee.
- Blanket L processing: Faster, processed directly at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Can an L visa be denied?
Yes. Common reasons include:
- Inadequate documentation of qualifying relationship
- Insufficient proof of managerial/executive role or specialized knowledge
- Weak evidence of business viability for new offices
Can I travel internationally on an L visa?
Yes, L visa holders can travel freely during the visa’s validity period, as long as they maintain valid status and have a valid visa stamp in their passport.
What happens after the maximum stay on an L visa?
You must:
- Switch to another visa,
- Apply for permanent residence (green card), or
- Depart the U.S. and stay abroad for at least one year before reapplying for another L visa.
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